Dr. Martha Hart has been named Calgarian of the Year in recognition of her longstanding commitment to aiding low-income residents. The award, presented by the Calgary Awards, honors her extraordinary contributions over the past five years to improve life in the city.
A Legacy of Giving
After the tragic death of her husband, wrestler Owen Hart, in a 1999 accident, Hart transformed her grief into action. In 2000, she established the Owen Hart Foundation, which has since become a vehicle for positive change. The foundation focuses on three key pillars: a scholarship program, a home ownership program, and a partnership program.
Scholarship and Housing Initiatives
The scholarship program assists high school students lacking financial resources to pursue post-secondary education. The home ownership program, inspired by Hart's own upbringing in a lower-income community, helps families achieve stable housing. The partnership component involves collaborations with local and international organizations, including the Calgary Zoo and Alberta Children's Hospital.
Community Impact
In 2024, the foundation packed 2,500 backpacks for underprivileged children. Its largest annual fundraiser, held at the Jubilee Auditorium, attracts celebrity guests to support local charities. Reflecting on her work, Hart told Postmedia last summer, “I didn’t realize at the time that it would turn into kind of a life’s work for me. But it’s such meaningful work. Once you start, and you see the progress and how you help people and how it really changes their lives, it just inspires you to want to keep doing it.”
Awards Ceremony
Hart was one of 13 award winners honored on June 17 at a City Hall ceremony. Other categories included arts, community advocacy, education, heritage, social impact, youth, international achievement, writing, environment, and accessibility.
